Champion Mortgage Launches $10,000 ``Home Equity For Your Dreams'' Contest in Denver; Lucky Resident Will Unlock Door to Win $10,000

Business Wire, August 30, 2002

Business Editors/Real Estate Writers

PARSIPPANY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 30, 2002

Dream Playhouse to Be Donated to Children's Miracle Network

Champion Mortgage(R), one of the nation's leading retail home equity lenders, today announced the launch of its $10,000 "Home Equity For Your Dreams" contest, which will take place at the Denver Pavilions.

The "Home Equity For Your Dreams" event is designed to bring awareness to the uses and benefits of home equity loans and to award a lucky Denver resident $10,000. Additionally, Champion Mortgage will partner with Children's Miracle Network and donate the "dream playhouse" to the organization for use by its patients.

On September 4, 25 local residents, who will have been pre-qualified for one of 25 house keys, will each receive one key to attempt to unlock the "Equity For Your Dreams House" at the Denver Pavilions. Only one of the keys will unlock the door to the house, providing the lucky winner with $10,000 cash(1).

Prior to the unlocking of the "Equity For Your Dreams House," children from Children's Miracle Network will decorate and landscape the house, in anticipation of receiving it as a donation from Champion Mortgage.

"The Denver community has welcomed Champion Mortgage with open arms since our launch earlier this year," said Mark E. Benson, Champion Mortgage's chief marketing officer. "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to give back to the community by awarding a local resident $10,000 and by making a contribution to Children's Miracle Network by donating the playhouse that children can enjoy for years to come."

"Children's Miracle Network is grateful to Champion Mortgage for donating the dream playhouse for use by our children," says Amy Kirby, spokeswoman for CMN. "Champion Mortgage is helping us make dreams come true for many children, and we are pleased to welcome them into our community."

                          Timeline of Events

Sept. 2nd  10:00 a.m.  Dream playhouse arrives at Denver Pavilions
Sept. 3rd  All Day     Free Champion Mortgage giveaways
Sept. 4th  10:00 a.m.  Children from Children's Miracle Network arrive
                        to decorate and landscape the house
           10:50 a.m.  Contestants draw keys for the house
           11:00 a.m.  Contestants try their keys in the house for a
                        chance to win $10,000; check is presented to
                        winner
            1:00 p.m.  House delivered to Children's Miracle Network

(1) The small home is filled with $10,000 (in play money).

About Champion Mortgage

Champion Mortgage, a division of KeyBank USA, National Association, is one of the nation's leading retail home equity lenders, providing more than 40 different home equity solutions to homeowners in 27 states. Established in 1981, Champion Mortgage is founded on the principle that all borrowers deserve to be treated with fairness and respect. Champion Mortgage's programs help homeowners consolidate debt, refinance existing mortgages and finance home improvements and life's big expenses. Champion Mortgage's expertise in home equity solutions allows it to provide unparalleled customer care. For more information about Champion Mortgage's products and services, call 1-800 CHAMPION(R) or visit championmortgage.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in or implied by such forward-looking statements for a variety of factors including: changes in interest rates; continued weakness in the economy which could materially impact credit quality trends and the ability to generate loans; failure of the capital markets to function consistent with customary levels; delay in or inability to execute strategic initiatives designed to grow revenues and/or manage expenses; consummation of significant business combinations or divestitures; changes in law imposing new legal obligations or restrictions or unfavorable resolution of litigation; disruption in the economy or business operations or activities as a result of terrorist activities or military actions; and changes in accounting, tax or regulatory practices or requirements.